Mashed Potatoes are a classic vegetable side dish that goes with almost any meal. When made well they can sometimes steal the show! These Instant Pot Garlic Mashed Potatoes are creamy, garlicky and taste so good. And even though they're super easy to make in the Instant Pot you can always make them on the stove top as well. I'll share both methods below!
What I love most is that these garlic mashed potatoes are extremely versatile and can be topped with your favorite toppings. In this version I’m keeping it simple with a little salt, pepper, butter and a few chives. I also have a few tips and tricks to give these potatoes tons of flavor! Just know whichever way you prefer to have them, one thing is certain...cooking them in the Instant Pot will make your life a whole lot easier!
Health Benefits Of Potatoes
Potatoes sometimes get a bad rap, but depending on how they are cooked, they can provide a really good amount of vitamins and nutrients. Here are a few benefits just to name a few:
- Rich in Antioxidants. Believe it or not regular potatoes are rich in antioxidants which can help protect your body from free radicals and may help fight off certain diseases such as cancer.
- Naturally Gluten-Free. Potatoes are naturally gluten-free which make them a great option for those with gluten allergies and sensitivities.
- Rich in Fiber. Potatoes are rich in fiber which helps promote a healthy digestive system and gut health.
- Good source of Potassium which helps keep blood pressure down and supports cardiovascular health.
How To Cook Mashed Potatoes In The Instant Pot
The Instant Pot has literally changed my way of cooking and given me so much freedom and time back in the kitchen. I can cook rice, potatoes, or even an entire meal that comes out perfect each time. For these Garlic Mashed Potatoes I like to use Yukon Gold potatoes which are softer and a little more creamy than russet potatoes.
Step One: Wash your potatoes thoroughly. If using Yukon Gold potatoes the skin is pretty thin and you don’t have to peel them if you don't want to. However, if you don't like potato peel in your mashed potatoes OR if you are looking for that super smooth consistency, then by all means feel free to peel!
Step Two: Cut your potatoes in half and then in fours depending on how big they are. Place potatoes in the Instant Pot insert. Pour water into the pot to just cover the potatoes. *see my extra tip on this below.
Step Three: Make sure the sealing ring is inserted into the Instant Pot lid. Close the lid and turn the pressure knob to sealing. If you have a newer Instant Pot with a smart lid, like the one I have, then the lid will automatically seal for you.
Step Four: Pressure cook on high for 8 minutes. Allow a natural steam release for 5 minutes. Then quick release the rest of the steam. Carefully pour potatoes into a colander to drain the water off of the potatoes using pot holders - *Careful: The instant pot will be hot. Set aside.
Step Five: Heat milk, butter and minced garlic in the Instant Pot on saute setting. As soon as milk is heated and the butter is melted, turn the saute button off. Return cooked potatoes to the pot.
Step Six: Mash potatoes directly in the Instant Pot with a potato masher until smooth. This is the potato masher I have, but any one will do. Stir in a little sour cream for extra goodness-optional but highly recommend! Season with salt, pepper and more butter. Enjoy!
The Instant Pot That I Have
I have the Instant Pot Duo Nova. I've had it for about a year and a half and I love it! It is a 7-in-1 appliance and I use the pressure cooker, saute function and rice cooker the most. It also has the Smart lid which is Instant Pot's newer easy to use seal lid that automatically seals your instant pot when you close the lid. My favorite things to cook in it are of course this dish, baked sweet potatoes, mashed sweet potatoes, and rice. It really is a game change for me!
If you are new to cooking with an Instant Pot and would like a beginner's quick reference guide - then check out my Beginners Basics 101 YouTube video to get you started! I also have a playlist of Instant Pot recipes already on youtube for you to enjoy and start cooking right away!
Stovetop Mashed Potatoes
If you don't have an instant pot, no worries! These are also super easy to make on top of the stove. Cover your washed, peeled and cut potatoes in a medium saucepan with water and a pinch of salt *see extra tip on this below. Once water starts to boil, allow potatoes to simmer until fork tender. Drain water and leave potatoes in a colander. In the same saucepan add milk, butter and minced garlic. Heat until warm, do not boil. Once warm and butter has melted, add potatoes back to the pot. Mash with a potato masher until you reach your desired consistency. Stir in a little sour cream for extra goodness and season with salt, pepper and butter to taste. Enjoy!
Recipe Tip!
For more great flavor use half water and half chicken broth to cook potatoes instead of all water. This gives the potatoes SO much flavor and you don't have to add as much salt when you use this method. You can also substitute veggie broth for chicken broth instead. Trust me, this tip is Highly Recommend!
More Instant Pot Recipes
- Instant Pot Apple Cinnamon Oatmeal
- Instant Pot Black Eyed Peas
- Instant Pot Southwest Lentils and Brown Rice Bowl
- Instant Pot White Chicken Chili
Instant Pot Garlic Mashed Potatoes
Video
Ingredients
- 2 lbs Yukon Gold Potatoes (about 6 potatoes)
- 2 ½ cups water (or 1 ½ cup water & 1 cup chicken broth)
- 1 cup milk
- 3 tablespoon butter, divided
- 2 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 teaspoon salt, divided
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- 2 tablespoon sour cream
- 2 tablespoon green onions, chopped (optional)
Instructions
- Thoroughly wash your potatoes under water and peel if desired.
- Cut your potatoes in half and then in fours depending on how big they are. Place potatoes in the instant pot. Pour the water (or half water and half chicken broth) into the instant pot to just cover the potatoes. Add ½ teaspoon of salt and gently stir.
- Make sure the sealing ring is inserted into the Instant Pot lid. Close the lid and turn the pressure knob to sealing.
- Pressure cook on high for 8 minutes. Allow a natural steam release for 5 minutes. Then quick release the rest of the steam.
- Carefully pour potatoes into a colander to drain the water off of the potatoes using pot holders. Set the potatoes to the side.
- Heat the milk, 2 tablespoons of butter, and the minced garlic cloves in the Instant Pot on the saute setting. As soon as milk is heated and the butter is melted, turn the saute button off. Return cooked potatoes to the pot.
- Mash potatoes directly in the Instant Pot with a potato masher until smooth. Stir in sour cream. Season with the other ½ teaspoon of salt, black pepper and 1 tablespoon of butter. Enjoy!
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